Funeral of Kingussie man of many talents

The funeral will take place later today of a Kingussie native who had a wide circle of sporting interests capped by competing for his country in angling.

John Cameron Dallas or Jock as he was popularly known, died peacefully at Daviot Care Home, on Monday, May 1, aged 90.

A native of Kingussie, he was the eldest of the family of the late Mr and Mrs Ian Dallas, Mill House, and was a real local character who was involved in many organisations in his long and interesting life.

After leaving Kingussie School, Jock was employed by local High Street butcher Mr Colin Urquhart.

Later he served for a short time doing National Service, before becoming a gamekeeper.

He worked on various Perthshire and Highland estates, and then at Glenbanchor, Newtonmore where he lived and worked for many happy years.

Jock married Joyce Pyke in 1957 and they went on to have three children, Ian, Catherine and Colin. Ian visited his dad recently, coming from North Island, New Zealand where he lives with his wife Alison and family.

Catherine is married to Ian Anderson, an ex-manager of the Duke of Gordon Hotel, now the family all live in Cambridgeshire. Colin is employed at the Lyle Estate, near Forfar where he lives with his wife Debbie and family.

In1995 Jock sadly lost his beloved wife Joyce. Some years later he found companionship and a dear friend in Jean Cunningham.

After retiring from his job as a gamekeeper, Jock and Joyce took over the running of his grandfather James Kidd’s jewellery business on Kingussie High Street. He was also involved in the community council.

Jock had many sporting interests but he had a special passion for shooting and fishing in particular.

He was a long standing member of sports groups including the Badenoch Angling Association, Badenoch Gun Club, Kingussie curling and bowling clubs as well as being a member of Kingussie Shinty Club.

His skills in angling were honoured by selection to Scotland’s team, which took part in a competition in Canada.

Jock was also a member of Kingussie Fire Brigade for many years and when he took retirement at 55, he was succeeded by his nephew, Alistair, who is still a serving member.

His funeral service will be held at Kingussie Parish Church today at 12.30pm and he will be laid to rest thereafter at Kingussie New Cemetery.

Jock leaves behind his three children, seven grand children and seven great grandchildren.

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